Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the increased provision of low dead space needles in needle and syringe exchanges in England.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing local needs and commissioning drug prevention, treatment and harm reduction services to meet these needs. This includes providing needle and syringe programmes in their areas.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that local areas commission services which offer and encourage the use of low dead-space needles and syringes. The guidance on Needle and syringe programmes is attached.

Public Health England supports local authorities in their work of needs assessment and commissioning services by providing advice, guidance and data.